While drinking coffee each spring, and gazing at the dandelions, you ponder buying weed killer to get rid of them. What you probably haven't noticed is that the dandelions are doing something that is illegal for you to do: starting a restaurant franchise.
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Check PriceMany gardeners probably have no clue that they are about to destroy the most important ecosystem service that their property provides.
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The Secret World of Dandelion Restaurants
The only dandelion in your yard attracts an amazing 93 species, including little native sweat bees and royal monarch butterflies. But, this isn’t the end of a dandelion's magic. Dandelions feed winter starved pollinators before your expensive tulips and daffodils have even begun to struggle to break through the soil from winter.
A lot of people don't know that queen bumblebees only have 14 days after coming out of winter hibernation to collect enough good pollen to start new colonies. If they don’t collect enough during this time frame, bee populations face collapse. Luckily, for this period of time, dandelions are ideal for pollen collection because their dandelion pollen has the best protein levels for bees (even better than most 'bee plants' sold at garden centers).
Why Do We Have Negative Feelings Towards Chemical Companies?
The thousands of dollars that chemical companies have spent influencing homeowners make dandelions out to be monsters that will destroy their lawns. But the facts say otherwise. University of Wisconsin studies show that chemically treated grass monocultures have 3 times fewer beneficial insects than lawns that have dandelions.
Each selective herbicide bottle designed for 'broadleaf weeds' is made with the intent to kill dandelions, clover, and violets. The very plants that help early season pollinators. The result i s a chemically dependent ecologically barren sterile grass desert.
Little-known Networks
Homeowners may find the leaves of dandelions ugly, but they have bigger problems to worry about. The leaves are just covering the dandelion's function. The dandelions long taproots can reach 15 feet down, pulling valuable soil nutrients from deep below and making them available to other plants.
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Soil improvement is done naturally by the roots of dandelions, which are a less expensive option than traditional fertilizers, dandelion roots decompose and create channels within the soil which improve the soil's drainage and also provide organic material to fuel the microbial life of the soil. Decomposing dandelion roots offer landscaping services.
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It is possible to support dandelions without fully losing control over your landscape. With some consideration, you can strengthen your landscape design and gain ecological advantages.
Please consider establishing designated 'pollinator zones' on your front and side yards where dandelions can grow and bloom freely during the peak bee activity season. Then, in late spring, you can simply mow them down to help encourage the growth of companion plants like some native grasses and wildflower.
You can try the 'selective tolerance' strategy in your front yard. Allow dandelions to grow in tree rings and at the borders of your garden beds. Their yellow flowers open at the same time as many spring bulbs and early perennials. This combination is an interesting visual and provides early season nectar.
Economic rationale for the Dandelion Peace Treaties
Having dandelions in your yard can benefit both the environment and your wallet. They draw adult pests and good insects that kill the pests. According to research from Cornell University, this would save you pest control costs of about $57 per acre per year.
The amazing predatory insects that consume aphids, thrips, and other garden pests that can threaten your veggies and ornamental plants, offer a natural pest control service. If you allow dandelion plants to grow in your garden, you are utilizing a free and chemical-free pest control assist service.
The Buzzing Effects of Your Ecosystem Beyond Bees
The benefits extend far beyond the pollinators. Goldfinches and other birds that eat seeds depend on dandelion seeds in the late summer when food becomes scarce. The fluffy seed heads that annoy lawn perfectionists are actually quite helpful for birds that are feeding late season broods.
Ground beetles and spiders, which keep slug populations in check, take shelter in dandelion leaves. Additionally, decomposing plant material feeds earthworms that aerate the soil and form crumb structures in which all plants thrive.
The Weeds You Put Most Value On Might Need Reconsidering
The next time the dandelions in your yard sprout up, consider all of the life that the plant supports. Dandelions are one of the most adaptable plants that have partnered with native-pollinators, and losing them would disrupt entire food chains.
Think of your yard as a natural haven for pollinators. Dandelions are often considered as a nuisance; however, they are a food source for butterflies. Each dandelion is an invitation for bee colonies to utilize your yard. Letting dandelions grow also creates a healthier soil cycle. Embrace a natural look, and enjoy the benefits of less work and a healthier ecosystem. Natural areas can also look nice!
The choice is simple. You can continue the expensive, chemical-dependent battle against nature’s most generous plants. Or you can join the growing movement of gardeners who understand that true beauty comes from working with natural systems, not against them. Your local pollinators – and your wallet – will thank you for choosing wisdom over warfare.
